The Senegalese Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation has taken a significant step to regulate the country's higher education sector by releasing a list of unrecognized private institutions. This move aims to protect students from enrolling in unauthorized programs and to ensure that only accredited institutions operate in the country. The list, which was published on October 2, 2026, includes 34 institutions and branches that have not obtained the necessary accreditation.
The institutions on the list include Sup-management intelligentsia (Smi) and Ziguinchor Institut Polytechnique (Zip) in Ziguinchor, École Supérieure d'Administration et de Gestion (Esag) in Saint-Louis, and Institut de Management d'Afrique Subsaharienne (Imas) in Dakar. Additionally, the list includes the territorial deployments of Institut Supérieur d'Entrepreneurship et de Gestion (Iseg) in various regions, including Ziguinchor, Thiès, and Dakar. These institutions are not authorized to offer degree programs in the Licence-Master cycle.
The Ministry's decision also affects institutions offering doctoral programs. Two entities, Centre d'Études Diplomatiques et Stratégiques in Ouakam and Centre Africain d'Intelligence Stratégique (Cis-Paix Upeace) in Dakar, have been identified as operating without authorization. The Ministry has warned students and parents to be vigilant and to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrolling.
The list highlights a common phenomenon in Senegal's higher education sector, where some institutions have obtained accreditation for their main campus but have opened regional branches without obtaining the necessary accreditation. The Ministry has emphasized that each geographical location requires a separate validation and that institutions must obtain specific accreditation for each branch.
The Ministry's move is part of a broader effort to regulate the higher education sector and prevent unaccredited institutions from operating. By publishing this list, the Ministry aims to protect students and their families from the risks associated with enrolling in unrecognized programs. The Ministry has also encouraged students and parents to verify the accreditation status of institutions before making a decision.
The list of unrecognized institutions is a significant step towards ensuring the quality of higher education in Senegal. The Ministry's efforts to regulate the sector and prevent unaccredited institutions from operating will help to maintain the integrity of the country's higher education system. Students and parents are advised to exercise caution and to verify the accreditation status of institutions before enrolling.
The Ministry has urged the public to be vigilant and to report any instances of unaccredited institutions operating in the country. The Ministry's efforts to regulate the higher education sector are ongoing, and the list of unrecognized institutions will be updated regularly. Students and parents can verify the accreditation status of institutions by contacting the Ministry directly.
Key points
- The Senegalese Ministry of Higher Education has published a list of 34 private institutions and branches that are not authorized to offer degree programs.
- The list includes institutions offering programs in the Licence-Master cycle and doctoral programs.
- The Ministry's move aims to protect students from enrolling in unrecognized programs and to regulate the higher education sector.
